Following the success last year's of abc Military Aircraft of the 1950s Combined Volume, which was a reissue of several Ian Allan military aviation spotters guides from the 1950s, we have had another delve into the archives and this combined volume consisting of a selection of civil aviation titles from the same era, is the result.

The book consists of exact reproductions of four titles in one volume. These are: abc of Airliners and Airports (1948), the first ever abc Civil Aircraft Markings (1950), the 1952 edition of abc Civil Aircraft Markings and abc London Airport 2nd Edition (1958).

The books are presented as they were first published in the 1940s and 50s complete with the original photos, covers, artwork and advertisements. Today, we take civil aviation for granted; you can fly to virtually anywhere in the world, at almost any time, but back then it was very different. Together, these books are a wonderful exercise in sheer nostalgia from an era when civil aviation was exotic, exciting and probably not a realistic option for the majority of travellers and most of the readers of these books. Enjoy this flight into the not too distant past with this delightful period piece.